Alexandria Independent Schools ACDS and Burgundy

[Anonymous]

Bump.

[Anonymous]

I would encourage anyone who may have questions about Burgundy to go and meet with Jared, the new middle school head who came to Burgundy from Sidwell. He is fantastic and is already setting the tone and establishing a culture in the middle school that is first rate.

As a parent of an 8th grader at Burgundy, I can say first hand that in interviews and discussions with admissions staff at top private schools, Burgundy is respected and held in high regard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Inclusive in what sense? (I did not take that from OP's question).

Burgundy is very inclusive in the lower school, and very inclusive in terms of race, ethnicity, income, etc.

Middle school handles interpersonal and gender dynamics very badly, however, in my view. Too much handwringing and "tell us how you feel," not enough "Sorry, you can't do that here and if you continue there will be consequences."

I think they meant inclusive w re learning differences. A PP mentioned “differentiation.”

Inclusive and provides extensive support are two different categories. Small schools offer what small schools offer: your child is known As an individual and valued for who they are, given encouragement to voice their ideas in discussions, given personalized feedback on work. Everybody sits near the teacher; the room is small. Unless you go to a school that specializes in specific learning differences or public school, you need to ask yourself what inclusion means to you. If your child needs services, it’s unlikely you will find them at small private school beyond some reading support in the lower grades. If your child will benefit from the general environment and their behavior is not chronically disruptive, then they might flourish in a small private school where who they are is valued. Extensive academic support will still be on you.

[Anonymous]

Inclusive and provides extensive support are two different categories. Small schools offer what small schools offer: your child is known As an individual and valued for who they are, given encouragement to voice their ideas in discussions, given personalized feedback on work. Everybody sits near the teacher; the room is small. Unless you go to a school that specializes in specific learning differences or public school, you need to ask yourself what inclusion means to you. If your child needs services, it’s unlikely you will find them at small private school beyond some reading support in the lower grades. If your child will benefit from the general environment and their behavior is not chronically disruptive, then they might flourish in a small private school where who they are is valued. Extensive academic support will still be on you.

Blah, blah. Stating the obvious here. Just answer the damn question, how about it?

Here's what the PP stated, and this is what the other PP was follow-up on. Got any meaningful response to that?

"FWIW Burgundy just brought on a full-time differentiation specialist and that has been this year's focus for the teachers too. This person will serve all students, not just those with special needs."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ACDS HoS and HoMS are both completely unqualified to lead a private school. They do not understand children at all.

That is a little harsh, they do understand the kids who’s parents have money......and let them away with murder.

Do you think this is a current problem? We are looking at ACDS and have been impressed by their emphasis on building empathetic, kind children. Too good to be true?

It's not too good to be true. We are a new family and so far we are beyond impressed with everything about the school.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're current ACDS parents and were very happy with the Lower School, both under the previous and current head (our child is now in the Middle School and we are equally as happy). At all levels of faculty and staff, every person at ACDS knows our child and they know us. Our child is challenged in her classes, asked to step outside of her comfort zone, and her confidence has soared at ACDS. We transferred from another private school in the area where our experience wasn't even a close 2nd to what both our child and we as parents are getting at ACDS. You should visit ACDS, talk to faculty, staff, parents and other students. BTW, the building and grounds are fantastic, too.

+100. ACDS is a hidden gem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would encourage anyone who may have questions about Burgundy to go and meet with Jared, the new middle school head who came to Burgundy from Sidwell. He is fantastic and is already setting the tone and establishing a culture in the middle school that is first rate.

Really glad to hear that. Burgundy’s middle school has been a mess since Nancy went to GDS. Desperately needs a strong, effective middle school head.

Overall Burgundy was a great place for our kids, though. Both now thriving in HS at NW DC privates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're current ACDS parents and were very happy with the Lower School, both under the previous and current head (our child is now in the Middle School and we are equally as happy). At all levels of faculty and staff, every person at ACDS knows our child and they know us. Our child is challenged in her classes, asked to step outside of her comfort zone, and her confidence has soared at ACDS. We transferred from another private school in the area where our experience wasn't even a close 2nd to what both our child and we as parents are getting at ACDS. You should visit ACDS, talk to faculty, staff, parents and other students. BTW, the building and grounds are fantastic, too.

+100. ACDS is a hidden gem.

Lol, if it is such a hidden gem, how come so many board members have transferred their kids to St Stephens?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're current ACDS parents and were very happy with the Lower School, both under the previous and current head (our child is now in the Middle School and we are equally as happy). At all levels of faculty and staff, every person at ACDS knows our child and they know us. Our child is challenged in her classes, asked to step outside of her comfort zone, and her confidence has soared at ACDS. We transferred from another private school in the area where our experience wasn't even a close 2nd to what both our child and we as parents are getting at ACDS. You should visit ACDS, talk to faculty, staff, parents and other students. BTW, the building and grounds are fantastic, too.

+100. ACDS is a hidden gem.

Lol, if it is such a hidden gem, how come so many board members have transferred their kids to St Stephens?

Parents are very busy. I doubt they’re getting paid or volunteering their time. So, I ask you to answer your damn, dumb question. We’re listening!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're current ACDS parents and were very happy with the Lower School, both under the previous and current head (our child is now in the Middle School and we are equally as happy). At all levels of faculty and staff, every person at ACDS knows our child and they know us. Our child is challenged in her classes, asked to step outside of her comfort zone, and her confidence has soared at ACDS. We transferred from another private school in the area where our experience wasn't even a close 2nd to what both our child and we as parents are getting at ACDS. You should visit ACDS, talk to faculty, staff, parents and other students. BTW, the building and grounds are fantastic, too.

+100. ACDS is a hidden gem.

Lol, if it is such a hidden gem, how come so many board members have transferred their kids to St Stephens?

Parents are very busy. I doubt they’re getting paid or volunteering their time. So, I ask you to answer your damn, dumb question. We’re listening!

I am not the OP but I think this is a legitimate question. If board members are pulling their kids and putting them into schools round the corner, I would be concerned.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're current ACDS parents and were very happy with the Lower School, both under the previous and current head (our child is now in the Middle School and we are equally as happy). At all levels of faculty and staff, every person at ACDS knows our child and they know us. Our child is challenged in her classes, asked to step outside of her comfort zone, and her confidence has soared at ACDS. We transferred from another private school in the area where our experience wasn't even a close 2nd to what both our child and we as parents are getting at ACDS. You should visit ACDS, talk to faculty, staff, parents and other students. BTW, the building and grounds are fantastic, too.

+100. ACDS is a hidden gem.

Lol, if it is such a hidden gem, how come so many board members have transferred their kids to St Stephens?

Parents are very busy. I doubt they’re getting paid or volunteering their time. So, I ask you to answer your damn, dumb question. We’re listening!

I am not the OP but I think this is a legitimate question. If board members are pulling their kids and putting them into schools round the corner, I would be concerned.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're current ACDS parents and were very happy with the Lower School, both under the previous and current head (our child is now in the Middle School and we are equally as happy). At all levels of faculty and staff, every person at ACDS knows our child and they know us. Our child is challenged in her classes, asked to step outside of her comfort zone, and her confidence has soared at ACDS. We transferred from another private school in the area where our experience wasn't even a close 2nd to what both our child and we as parents are getting at ACDS. You should visit ACDS, talk to faculty, staff, parents and other students. BTW, the building and grounds are fantastic, too.

+100. ACDS is a hidden gem.

Lol, if it is such a hidden gem, how come so many board members have transferred their kids to St Stephens?

Parents are very busy. I doubt they’re getting paid or volunteering their time. So, I ask you to answer your damn, dumb question. We’re listening!

I am not the OP but I think this is a legitimate question. If board members are pulling their kids and putting them into schools round the corner, I would be concerned.

+1

Then ask her to provide details. She won’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're current ACDS parents and were very happy with the Lower School, both under the previous and current head (our child is now in the Middle School and we are equally as happy). At all levels of faculty and staff, every person at ACDS knows our child and they know us. Our child is challenged in her classes, asked to step outside of her comfort zone, and her confidence has soared at ACDS. We transferred from another private school in the area where our experience wasn't even a close 2nd to what both our child and we as parents are getting at ACDS. You should visit ACDS, talk to faculty, staff, parents and other students. BTW, the building and grounds are fantastic, too.

+100. ACDS is a hidden gem.

Lol, if it is such a hidden gem, how come so many board members have transferred their kids to St Stephens?

Parents are very busy. I doubt they’re getting paid or volunteering their time. So, I ask you to answer your damn, dumb question. We’re listening!

I am not the OP but I think this is a legitimate question. If board members are pulling their kids and putting them into schools round the corner, I would be concerned.

I know at least one (former) board member that moved their kid.

[Anonymous]

I know of at least 3 board members who have moved their kids to other schools, and they all had the cheek to remain on the board. Not sure why the aggression towards the OP - this is well known within the ACDS community.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know of at least 3 board members who have moved their kids to other schools, and they all had the cheek to remain on the board. Not sure why the aggression towards the OP - this is well known within the ACDS community.

Why remain on the Board? That’s not “cheek”. That’s commitment. Why else do it? Hmmmm?